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If
You're Considering Facial Surgery Plastic
surgeons use facial implants to improve and enhance facial contours. Frequently,
these implants will help provide a more harmonious balance to your face and
features so that you may feel better about the way you look. There are many
implants available, manufactured from a variety of materials. They may help
strengthen a jawline or bring the chin or cheekbones into balance with the rest
of your face. This page describes some of the facial implants currently
available as well as the techniques for their use. It will familiarize you with
these procedures but cannot provide all the details which may be relevant to
your particular needs. If you feel that one or more of the procedures described
here may be of benefit, be sure to ask your plastic surgeon for more
information. What
To Expect From A Facial Implant Facial
implants can enhance your appearance and may bolster your self esteem. If you
are looking for improvement, not perfection, in your appearance and are
realistic in your expectations, you may find that a facial implant is the right
choice for you. Plastic
surgeons will frequently use such implants to bring better balance to the
features of a younger patient. For instance, a teenage girl may want her nose
reshaped or her chin brought froward so that these traits are better
proportioned. The more mature patient may choose to have an implant placed in
conjunction with another cosmetic procedure. For example, during a facelift, a
patient may wish to have implants placed over the cheekbones to help restore a
more youthful appearance. Implants may also be selected to fill out a face that
appears "sunken" or tired. All
Surgery Carries Some Uncertainty and Risk Facial
implants can produce some remarkable changes. Problems rarely occur, but you
need to be informed about such possibilities. This page will touch upon a few,
but is not intended to provide a detailed or complete inventory of potential
risks. A
facial implant can shift slightly out of alignment and a second operation may be
necessary to replace it in its proper position. Infection can occur with any
operation. If infection were to occur around a facial implant and did not clear
up after treatment with antibiotics, the implant might have to be temporarily
removed and replaced at a later time. Other, less frequent risks may be
associated with certain implants. Be sure to ask your plastic surgeon for a
description of the risks associated with the procedure in which you are
interested. Some
of the implant materials are made of a solid silicone. Currently, there is no
scientific evidence that this is a harmful substance. Your plastic surgeon will
be happy to discuss any current scientific findings concerning the type of
implant you're considering. Planning
Your Surgery When
you discuss your surgery with your plastic surgeon, be certain that you clearly
express your expectations. You plastic surgeon will help you determine what is
possible to achieve. Be
sure you understand the details of the proposed surgery, including the cost and
what to expect during your recovery. If
the surgery will entail an incision inside your mouth, it is important that you
inform your physician if you smoke or if you have any dental or gum problems.
Your plastic surgeon will advise you on these matters. In
preparing for your surgery, be sure to find out if you'll be able to drive home
afterward or will require transportation. You should also ask if you'll need to
refrain from eating or drinking the night before your surgery, and if you should
stop taking any medications, including aspirin and similar drugs. You may be
instructed to take oral antibiotics both before and after the procedure to help
guard against infection. Your
plastic surgeon will provide information about these important matters during
your pre-operative consultation. Where
Your Surgery Will be Performed Your
operation may take place in an office-based facility, a freestanding surgical
center or a hospital outpatient facility. Sometimes, your plastic surgeon may
require that you stay overnight. Your doctor will make such a recommendation
based on your overall medical condition and whether another cosmetic procedure
was performed simultaneously with the facial implant surgery. Types
of Anesthesia In
some cases, facial implant surgery may require only local anesthesia combined
with a sedative. However, more frequently, a general anesthesia may be
recommended. Chin
Surgery Insertion
of a chin implant may take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour. During the
procedure, the surgeon selects the proper size and shape implant to enhance your
appearance and inserts it into a pocket over the front of the jawbone. The small
incision to create the pocket and insert the implant is placed inside the mouth
(along the lower lip) or in the skin just under the chin area.
Usually,
the chin is taped after surgery to minimize swelling and discomfort. Sutures in
the skin will be removed in five to seven days. If an inra-oral incision is
used, the sutures will dissolve.
Recovering
from Chin Surgery You
will experience some discomfort and swelling in the affected area for several
days. It's normal to experience some temporary difficulty with smiling and
talking. Black and blue marks may be visible around the chin and neck. Your
plastic surgeon will instruct you about the dental hygiene, eating, and any
restrictions to your activities after surgery. Cheek
Surgery Cheek
implant surgery usually takes about 30 to 45 minutes. When cheek implants are
being placed in conjunction with another cosmetic procedure, such as a facelift,
forehead lift or eyelid surgery, the implants may be inserted through the
incisions made for those procedures. Otherwise, an incision will be made earlier
inside your upper lip or your lower eyelid. A pocket is then formed and an
implant is inserted.
After
surgery, a dressing will be applied to minimize discomfort and swelling. The
severity and duration of such side effects may vary, especially if another
cosmetic procedure was performed at the same time.
Recovering
from Cheek Surgery Your
plastic surgeon will provide you with instructions about post-operative care.
There will be dietary restrictions as well as limitations to your activities.
Again, these instructions will vary, especially if another procedure was
performed along with your implant surgery. However, you should be aware that
your ability to move your mouth and lips may be diminished temporarily. Stitches
used to close the incisions inside your mouth usually dissolve within about 10
days. Lower-Jaw
Surgery Insertion
of a jaw implant usually takes about one to two hours. Internal incisions are
made on either side of the lower lip to provide access for creating a pocket
into which the lower-jaw implant can be inserted. Dissolving sutures are used to
close the incisions. Recovering
from Jaw Surgery Swelling
is sometimes significant immediately following surgery, usually peaking 24 to 48
hours afterward. Although most of the significant swelling will subside over a
period of several days, prolonged mild swelling may prevent your final facial
contour from becoming apparent for several months. During
the healing phase, your activities and diet will be restricted. Your ability to
smile, talk or move your mouth in any way may be limited for several days to
weeks following surgery. Your plastic surgeon will instruct you about dental and
oral hygiene during your recovery. Getting
Back to Remember,
with any facial surgery, you may feel and look better in a short period of time.
However, it may not be advisable to participate in certain activities –
especially activity that may result in the face being jarred or bumped – for
several weeks. It's best to check with your plastic surgeon about such matters. Your
New Look You may not be able to accurately evaluate your appearance for weeks, or perhaps even months. Give yourself plenty of time to get used to your new look. You may be surprised to find that most people won't recognize that you've had facial implant surgery - only that you look better.
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